Archive for March, 2012

Why is it important to preserve stem cells?

Saturday, March 31st, 2012

Stem cells are found in a child’s cord blood, which are used in the treatment of numerous diseases. Stem cells are also used to replace other cells that are destroyed by severe diseases. There are two types of stem cells- One is Embryonic cells, which are found in embryos and helps in the formation of tissues; another type is the Adult stem cells, which are called as repair cells that help in repairing and regeneration of lost cells.

These days, there are many methods through, which stem cells are preserved and used for curing many diseases. There are many blood banks that help in stem cell banking in India. These banks help in preserving a child’s future like private stem cell banks and public stem cell banks.

Public stem cell banks preserve cord blood stem cells, which can also be used by any other person except family members if the bone marrow of the person matches with the child’s bone marrow. But in case of private cord blood banks only the family person can use the bone marrow if it matches.

Cord blood is collected during the delivery of a child, which contains viable stem cells. The collection process is conducted by the medical team and the cord blood is further sent for processing and for stem cell preservation. After reaching cord blood bank, the blood and placenta undergoes various processes, such as is the cord blood it is checked for the infections, stem cells are obtained from the cord blood and lastly cryo preservatives are added so that the stem cells remain viable. The process is done with the separation of red blood cells or by keeping the blood cells intact with specimen.

After the cord blood is derived from the child’s umbilical cord, the blood is tested for the presence of communicable diseases and accordingly preservatives are added. The process of stem cell preservation is done on a slow cooling process, so that the stem cells are intact. The preservation of stem cells helps the child to fight back any severe disease and it can also be used by other person for treating their disease but only if the bone marrow matches.

It has been surveyed that stem cells from umbilical cord can treat 80 severe diseases and it has been also used in over 25000 transplants worldwide. There are many stem cell banks all over the world, where you can preserve your child’s future as well as you can also help other family members in treating and curing severe diseases. Hence, it is important to preserve a child’s stem cells.

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Importance of drinking water during pregnancy

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Water is essential for all, weather pregnant or not. It helps your body and your vital organs to function properly. During pregnancy, a woman requires more and more water to meet all the requirements of the body. Water is very important to keep the body hydrated and blood cells healthy. Water is also considered essential for good lactation and also a key component of breast milk.

Water helps the body to be hydrated; drinking enough water helps in preventing dehydration. Dehydration during pregnancy may sometimes lead to different body ailments like cramps, dizziness, headaches, nausea and oedema. Drinking enough water is very essential during the third trimester because at this stage dehydration can also cause contractions, which can lead to preterm labour.

If you want to know that your body is hydrated or not, you can check the color of your urine. If the color is straw-colored or is pale then the body is hydrated and if the color is dark then you have to drink more water. Drinking enough water also helps in relieving the symptoms of acidity, heartburn, morning sickness and indigestion. In the hot and humid months, it helps in maintaining the body temperature and keeping your body cool.

One of the most vital functions of water is that it helps in preventing urinary infections that are very common during pregnancy. Drinking enough water helps in reducing the risk of infection as the urine becomes dilute. It also eases constipation, water retention haemorrhoids and oedema.

To prevent dehydration, you should drink about three litres of fluid daily, approximately ten to twelve glasses of water or any other fluid like juices. During summer, you need to drink even more water because in summers there is more lose of water in the form of perspiration. Fruit juices and vegetable juices are quite essential during pregnancy, as these contain essential nutrients and are a good source of vitamins. But, you should keep in mind juices contain extra calories that should be burned by doing light exercises like walking, yoga, etc.

Coconut water should be drink in plenty during all the stages of pregnancy, as it is a good source of manganese, riboflavin, dietary fibre, calcium and Vitamin C. Coconut water or nariyal pani is also one of the most important sources of electrolytes. It is a rich source of potassium, magnesium and chlorides and also has a moderate amount of protein, sugar and sodium. Potassium helps in regulating the blood pressure and the heart function. Also, coconut water is essentially fat free and has zero cholesterol.

Caffeinated beverages like tea, cola and coffee should be avoided during pregnancy because all these fluids are diuretics. Diuretics make you urinate more because of which there is more loss of water from the body. You should try to drink three litre bottles of water daily, which will help you and your baby to stay healthy.

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